I moved down from Pittsburgh to Raleigh (actually Apex) about 8 years ago. I absolutely love it. Things are a bit spread out, but there are shopping centers on every corner. I've got 3 grocery stores within 5 minutes of me.
The summers are hot, but everything is air conditioned. Also most of the places you'll work allow shorts. The best thing is in January - February, when its just a bit chilly down here, your relatives back up North are freezing.
Raleigh is very similar to Charlotte, just bit smaller and much cheaper. I've got friends in Charlotte, and their housing costs are about 25% more than ours.
As for the comment about Durham, there are definitely areas you want to stay out of. However there is tons of new growth in the Durham area. The South Point mall, which is one of the nicest around is considered to be in Durham, and there's lots of great places to live around that.
Unless you're living in the outskirts you're mostly going to be living with Yankees. Most of the people we know are from PA, NY area. Its rare to meet any true southerners. The ones we know however are extremely friendly. Its also fun to remind them that we won the "war".
Also, I was just told that the North Hills mall, has a bar called the Fox and the Hound, which is supposed to be an Eagles hangout. So if you're a football fan you'll have plenty of people to complain to about your lousy season
If you want PM me and I can help point you in the right direction of where to live.
Also, if anyone who lives in the Raleigh area wants to get together once a month or something, I think that could be fun.
